Position: Tax Manager
Location: Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
About the Role
A global retail group is seeking a Tax Manager to support regional tax operations across APAC, with a primary focus on Japan and additional involvement in other regions such as China, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. The role will assist in tax provision, compliance, and planning initiatives while collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partners.
This position offers the opportunity to gain experience across a wide range of tax functions, including direct and indirect taxation, transfer pricing, audits, and system transformation projects.
Key Responsibilities
1. Tax Compliance and Operations
Prepare and review corporate income tax (CIT) and consumption tax (JCT/VAT) filings for Japan and other APAC entities.
Manage external vendors handling VAT/JCT invoicing, reconciliations, and reporting.
Conduct internal tax risk assessments and implement appropriate control measures.
Oversee intercompany transactions, remittances, and withholding tax filings.
2. Process and System Transformation
Contribute to process improvements and system integrations within the regional and global tax functions.
Participate in enhancements to tax and customs-related systems (e.g., ERP tax modules, tax automation platforms).
Lead initiatives related to indirect tax transformation and compliance optimization for Japan entities.
3. US Tax Provision and Reporting
Support the preparation of tax provision calculations under ASC 740 and FIN 48 for regional entities.
Monitor tax-sensitive business transactions and assist in risk management activities.
Prepare deferred tax calculations, tax payment forecasts, and local profit calculations.
4. Tax Consulting, Transfer Pricing, and Audits
Provide tax training and guidance to internal departments.
Review regional transfer pricing documentation and ensure compliance with local regulations.
Support tax and customs audits, including correspondence with tax authorities.
Collaborate with legal, treasury, and logistics teams to ensure tax efficiency in business operations.
Qualifications
Required
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Tax, or related field.
Fluency in Japanese and English; additional language skills (e.g., Chinese) are a plus.
10+ years of experience in corporate tax, or 4–5 years in a professional services firm (Big Four experience preferred).
Strong understanding of Japanese tax law and regional APAC tax practices.
Preferred
Experience in the retail, consumer goods, or apparel industries.
Knowledge of JGAAP and US GAAP.
Familiarity with ERP and tax software (e.g., Oracle, Hyperion, OneSource).
Key Competencies
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
High attention to detail and accuracy.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Work Environment and Benefits
Flexible working hours (between 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM).
Remote work options available.
Benefits include corporate pension, group insurance, and employee purchase discounts.
Casual and inclusive work culture.
Holidays and Leave
Five-day workweek (Saturday and Sunday off).
Public holidays, paid leave, year-end and New Year holidays.
Bereavement, sick, maternity/paternity, childcare, caregiving, and special leave.
Total of approximately 124 annual holidays.